Coolpix S3

Coolpix S3

Nikon Coolpix S3 Review

By
Movable Type Admin

First Look posted 11/16/2005Full review posted 01/16/2006

Introduction & Physical Views

Click on the Coolpix S3 to take a QuickTime VR tour

The Coolpix S3 is a 6-megapixel camera that delivers high performance shooting power and image quality in a sleek and ultra-portable package. Like the Coolpix S1 and S2 before it, the Matte Black Metal-body Coolpix S3 boasts a 2.5" LCD screen and Nikon's exclusive feature system, including D-Lighting for fixing dark pictures in the camera, the exclusive Face Priority AF (Auto Focus) for automatic face-finding focus and getting great portraits and In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™ to remove most instances of red-eye in the camera.

With the ability to take up to 190 shots from the included rechargeable Li-ion battery*, improved start-up time, and continuous shooting mode, the new Coolpix S3 allows for more shots to be captured than ever before. This superior engineering is paired with a range of Nikon's unique in-camera functions and 17 different scene modes that help make a perfect moment into a perfect photo with the click of a button.

PictBridge compatibility makes it possible to print directly to a printer, without the need for a PC. For those who enjoy organizing and sharing their photographs on a computer, Coolpix cameras ship with Nikon's PictureProject software, a user-friendly photo management software designed expressly for use by Coolpix photographers, that offers a broad selection of cataloging, editing and sharing functions. This software package is aimed at providing a central location that is simple, intuitive and seamless for Coolpix digital photographers.

Coolpix S3 Features:

6-megapixel effective CCD for prints up to 13x19 inches

3x optical zoom (35-105mm in 35mm equivalent)

Large 2.5-inch TFT color monitor

Program AE and 16 pre-programmed Scene modes

Face Priority AF for perfect portrait shots

Single, Continuous, Multi-Shot 16 and Time-lapse shooting modes

QuickTime movies with audio, up to 640x480 @ 15fps with vibration reduction - length limited only by available memory

Built-in flash with auto, fill, slow sync, and red-eye reduction

Nikon's exclusive D-Lighting and In-Camera Red-Eye Fix technology

Voice memo function records up to 20 seconds of sound that can then be attached to an image

Camera takes up to 10 shots (at approx 2fps) and records the most detailed image of the 10 using anti-jitter logic which is effective for poor lighting, telephoto and macro shooting. Not available when the speedlight is on.

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.